The first book, "CONQUERING THE STORMS", is a compelling collection of poems, while the second, "NOT A FAIR GARLAND", both written by Gbenga Olasore encapsulates four thought-provoking plays."CONQUERING THE STORMS" is a poignant collection of 53 poems, thoughtfully arranged in 108 pages.
This evocative anthology delves into the complexities of human experience, exploring themes such as life and death, happiness and sorrow, success and failure, hope and despair, love and rejection, and the profound relationship between God and humanity.
The poems are deeply personal, reflecting the poet's experiences, life encounters, and environmental influences. Each piece offers a unique perspective, from the uplifting counsel of "Not The Time To Give Up," (Page 16) which encourages renewed strength, to the powerful testimony of "The Dead Bone Has Risen," which celebrates divine intervention.
Other standout poems include "You Think You Are God," (Page 87) a thought-provoking rebuke of pride, and "The Torch of Unity,"(Page 50) a stirring tribute to the illuminating power of oneness and togetherness.
"NOT A FAIR GARLAND" encompasses four plays, namely "Not A Fair Garland," "The Fruits of Their Labour," "Tentacles of the Gods," and "Don't Kill the Dream."
The book with its 206 pages offers transformative lessons for humanity and the Nigerian society, tackling pressing issues such as economic hardship, examination malpractices, cultural conflicts, and social inequality.
In "NOT A FAIR GARLAND," Olasore reflects the struggles of the masses through the experiences of Andrew and Eugene, who navigate the harsh realities of Nigeria's economic landscape.
This experience seems to have eroded their trust in the current Renewed Hope Agenda, which they view with skepticism."THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOUR," set in a fictional secondary school in Abeokuta, Olasore tackles the pervasive issue of examination malpractices in Nigerian society.
The play exposes the complicity of various stakeholders, including students, teachers, invigilators, Examination officials, and parents, in perpetuating this social ill.
The play reveals how students collude with teachers and invigilators, offering bribes to secure .../2-2-favourable treatment during exams.
Some students even plan to relocate to other schools in Lagos if they are barred from taking the exam in their own school.
Through this play, Olasore promotes the values of honesty and diligence, highlighting the consequences of unethical behavior and the rewards of hard work and integrity.
"TENTACLES OF THE GODS" is a tragic play that explores the conflicts between tradition and modernity, as embodied by the contrasting beliefs of the old and the young. The elderly characters believe that the gods predetermine human fate, whereas the younger generation rejects this notion.
To them, the gods do not possess the power to limit their choices or alter their destiny.
This perceived affront to traditional beliefs is thought to invite damnation, destruction, and doom.
"DON'T KILL THE DREAM," a poignant story enhanced by a prologue and epilogue, follows the life of Remi, a young woman who overcomes class discrimination but ultimately succumbs to tragedy.
Born into poverty, Remi faces rejection from Kayode's affluent family, who deem her unsuitable as a daughter-in-law due to her humble background.
However, Remi's exceptional talent and determination earn her the prestigious Frobel Prize in Literature, which changes Kayode's family's perception of her.
The couple gets married, but their happiness is short-lived. While expecting their first child, Remi's life is cut short due to complications from a car accident.
In her final moments, Remi implores Kayode to keep their dream alive, whispering, "It's our dream to have a son... Kayode, be the keeper of the dream. Don't kill the dream."
This collection of plays is a unique and generous offering from a talented playwright, showcasing four distinct works that enrich the literary landscape.
The themes and subject matter are remarkably current and topical, reflecting pressing issues and events in contemporary Nigeria.
"NOT A FAIR GARLAND" provides a scathing critique of Nigeria's leadership, tracing the country's troubled history from the era of authoritarian rule to the present day, with its unfulfilled promises of change and the ongoing quest for renewed hope.
"THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOUR" tackles the pervasive culture of examination malpractice in Nigeria's education system, exposing the entrenched corruption and moral decay that threaten the very fabric of society.
"TENTACLES OF THE GODS" explores the enduring conflict between traditional values and modernity, highlighting the tensions that arise when ancient customs collide with contemporary realities.
"DON'T KILL THE DREAM" is an emotional exploration of love, .../3-3-loss, and shattered aspirations, offering a powerful commentary on the human condition. All four plays are set in different locations within Yorubaland, drawing heavily from Yoruba tradition and culture.
The playwright's Christian faith is also evident throughout the collection, with numerous biblical allusions and references. The use of proverbs, metaphors, similes, personification, and suspense adds depth, complexity, and memorability to the characters, events, and settings.
These two literary works published in 2025 by FRONTPAGE MEDIA showcases Olasore's remarkable versatility as a multifaceted individual - a cerebral communicator, accomplished referee, seasoned administrator, and successful educator.
Readers will undoubtedly find these books engaging and enriching, with transformative lessons to be gleaned from them.
They are a must-read and serve as invaluable resource materials for educators and administrators alike.
Also,these exceptional works of art will undoubtedly resonate with literature enthusiasts, students, and teachers of English Language and Literature in English, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience.
Gbenga Olasore through these books has expanded and expounded his horizons as he "Conquers the Storms" in his journey through life.
He has therefore proved himself as an author with a conscience with this thought provoking books.
Reviewed By VINCENT AKINDELE
Author, Publisher & Journalist
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